Allison Smith
8 Followers
OTTUMWA, Iowa, United States
About the store
I taught 8th grade science for five years, where I loved sparking curiosity and helping students connect learning to the real world. I also served on my districts curriculum development team for two years, creating engaging lessons and resources for K-12 classrooms. After transitioning to homeschooling, I gained a new perspective on how to make learning flexible, fun, and meaningful. With experience in both traditional and home education, I create ready to use resources that practical and creative. My goal is to save teachers time while inspiring students to explore, question, and grow in their learning.
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Exoplanet Habitable Zone Data Analysis Real NASA Data Middle School NGSS Space
Are we alone in the universe?In this high-engagement, real-world data investigation, students step into the role of astronomers as they analyze actual NASA Kepler Space Telescope data to explore one of the biggest scientific questions of all time: 👉 How many planets in our galaxy could support life?This is not a basic worksheet—this is a full data-driven science experience that builds critical thinking, graphing, and real scientific reasoning skills. 🔬 WHAT MAKES THIS RESOURCE UNIQUE ✔
5th - 10th
Earth Sciences, Physics
NGSS
MS-ESS1-2
, MS-ESS1-3
Also included in: Real Data Science Bundle | NGSS Labs Earth Space Biology MS Activities
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Lab: Resonance & Waves (MS-PS4) Data, Graph + CER
Your students will never forget this question: How can a “normal” wind destroy a massive steel bridge? 🌉💨 This phenomenon-based NGSS lab uses the famous Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse (“Galloping Gertie”) to launch a powerful investigation into waves, frequency, amplitude, natural frequency, resonance, and damping. Students watch the footage, generate authentic questions, then prove the science with a hands-on model investigation and real data analysis. This is the kind of lesson that fee
4th - 9th
Earth Sciences, Physical Science
NGSS
MS-PS4-1
, MS-PS4-2
, MS-ETS1-3
Also included in: Phenomenon-Based Science Lab Bundle (6 NGSS Units) CER + Teacher Keys
Cells Station Lab (8 Stations) Microscopes, Organelles, Osmosis + CER + Key
Need a complete, hands-on cells day that keeps every group engaged and actually builds understanding (not just labeling worksheets)? This Cells Station Lab is a structured 8-station rotation that combines real microscope observations, organelle function practice, prokaryote vs. eukaryote sorting, plant vs. animal comparisons, an osmosis model, and a CER conclusion—all with a teacher guide and answer key for easy setup and grading. ✅ What’s Included 8 station cards (clear directions + “Thi
5th - 9th
Biology
NGSS
MS-LS1-2
, MS-LS1-1
Also included in: Middle School Station Lab Bundle (5 Units) CER + Keys NGSS MS Science
Natural Selection Station Lab (8 Stations) MS-LS4-2, LS4-4, LS4-6 + CER
Teach natural selection in a way students actually understand (and remember). This 8-Station Natural Selection Lab hits the full story from multiple angles—hands-on simulations, fossil evidence, real data graphing, case studies, and misconception-busting—then ties it all together with a rigorous CER argument. Students don’t just define evolution… they use evidence to prove it. ✅ What’s Included 8 station cards/activities (simulations + analysis + matching + graphing) Student recording s
5th - 9th
Biology, General Science
NGSS
HS-LS4-2
, HS-LS4-6
, MS-LS4-2
+3
Also included in: Middle School Station Lab Bundle (5 Units) CER + Keys NGSS MS Science
Science Careers Quiz (20 Questions) Career Profiles + Reflection Grades 5-9
Get students excited about science careers with a lesson that feels like a personality quiz—but builds real science identity and vocabulary. What Kind of Scientist Are You? is a 20-question science career quiz that helps students discover a “scientist type,” then read a matching career profile with real scientists, education pathways, cool facts, and reflection questions. Perfect for the beginning of the year, career day, STEM week, advisory, sub plans, or an engaging end-of-unit activity.
5th - 9th
General Science
Showing 1-5 of 5 results
About the store
Experience
I taught 8th grade science for five years, where I loved sparking curiosity and helping students connect learning to the real world. I also served on my districts curriculum development team for two years, creating engaging lessons and resources for K-12 classrooms. After transitioning to homeschooling, I gained a new perspective on how to make learning flexible, fun, and meaningful. With experience in both traditional and home education, I create ready to use resources that practical and creative. My goal is to save teachers time while inspiring students to explore, question, and grow in their learning.
Teaching style
My teaching style combines quick, focused worksheets with hands-on activites that keep students engaged. I believe in balancing skill practice with interactive exploration to make learning meaningful. I am also creating bundled units that demonstrate educational standards specifically.
Awards & shining teacher moments
I was honored with the Principal's Coin for my leadership with the Science Club. I also helped develop district curriculum and was selected to pilot a phenomenon-based learning program.
My own education history
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, as well as a Master's degree in Secondary Science Instruction and Curriculum Development. This combination has given me a strong foundation in both science content and effective teaching practices.
Additional biographical information
I am a lifelonger learning that loves inspiring my students (now children) to look with wonder and exploration at the beautiful world God created.
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